Laughs got lost on way to 'Thunder'

TODAY'S TV

March 30, 1994|By David Bianculli | David Bianculli,Special to The Sun

It's exactly one month until NBC presents "The Tonya & Nancy Story." This gives you plenty of time to plan accordingly, and to make sure you're out for the evening. By the way, even though this is terribly short notice, that's not bad advice for tonight, either.

* "Thunder Alley" (8:30-9 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) -- While I admire Ed Asner, and agree wholeheartedly that television needs more elderly characters on TV who are shown as both productive and clever, I wish this show were funnier. Like "These Friends of Mine," another new ABC sitcom, it's a comedy with very little actual, identifiable comedy. ABC.

* "Metropolitan Opera Presents: 'I Lombardi' " (8-10:30 p.m., MPT, channels 22 and 67) -- James Levine conducts this production of Verdi's lesser-known "I Lombardi," starring Luciano Pavarotti and Lauren Flanigan in a tale of ill-fated lovers. This is the third "Metropolitan Opera Presents" special to be sponsored this season by Texaco, and will be simulcast on WBJC-FM (91.5). PBS.

* "These Friends of Mine" (9:30-10 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) -- In last night's episode, Holly (Holly Fulger) wound up attracting a guy who barked at a rather intimate time. Tonight she tries to attract a guy by being up front about her profile -- a little too much up front, as it turns out. ABC.

* "48 Hours: 'Marked for Life' " (10-11 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11) -- Gene, Gene, you're young and alive: This week's "48 Hours" is all about genetic research, manipulation and ethics, as people learn more about themselves, their bodies and their potential offspring than was possible ever before. Consider this a 48-hour splice of life. Dan Rather anchors. CBS.

* "Late Show With David Letterman" (11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m., WNUV, Channel 54) -- Of late, Martin Short has been funnier on talk shows than he has in movies, making this new "Late Show" a potentially special occasion. CBS.